Press Release
Halifax Chamber of Commerce prepares for 2008 Federal budget with check list in hand
February 25, 2008- Halifax, NS- The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the release of the 2008 Federal budget on Tuesday evening. The Chamber is looking for action in 12 priority areas with an emphasis on debt reduction, spending and infrastructure.
“Budgets that have this much political significance need particular close attention paid to them,” says Valerie Payn, President of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. “The Minister has a done a good job of keeping expectations low and this matches the type of fiscally prudent but forward thinking budget that we are looking for.”
The Chamber’s 12 Priority Areas are:
|
Issue |
Chamber position Pre Budget 2008 |
Response |
|
Spending |
- Must prioritize spending |
|
|
Infrastructure (Transportation) |
- Eliminate Airport rents - Long term plan for funding beyond Building Canada (2014) - Ensure funding for Gateways can be accessed quickly - More funds for P3 partnerships |
|
|
Debt Reduction |
- Debt-to-GDP ratio of 25% by 2012-2013 - $3 billion a year to debt reduction |
|
|
Immigration |
- Funding directed towards immigration esp. in provinces with decreasing pop. (NS) |
|
|
Health Care |
- Prevention spending should be increased - Healthy workplace initiatives - Involvement of private sector |
|
|
Education |
- Programs to encourage workers to stay in the workplace longer - Train and educate workers to fill in gaps |
|
|
Programs |
- Review programs - Establish sunset clauses for new programs |
|
|
GST |
- Discourage further cuts to the GST |
|
|
Personal Income Taxes |
- Intro. Tax Pre-Paid Savings Plan
|
|
|
Corporate Income Tax |
- Continue to review and adjust CCA rates |
|
|
EI Program |
- Return to the original intent of the program - Reduce employer EI premium to be equal to that of the employee premium - Refund over-contributions of employers |
|
|
Other |
- Reduce Barriers to International Trade - Streamline Regulations - Securing Energy Supply - Programs to encourage investment in research and development to increase productivity |
|
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For more information contact:
Janet Creamer
Communications Coordinator and Media Liaison
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
Office: (902) 481-1240
Cell: (902)499-6494



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